Italy Reaffirms Commitment to Migrant Processing Centers in Albania Despite Legal Hurdles

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government plans to proceed with controversial centers after court rulings questioned their compliance with EU law.

Italian courts have repeatedly blocked the transfer of migrants to Albania, citing legal concerns and the need for case-by-case assessments of safe country designations.
Premier Giorgia Meloni's government argues the centers, which opened in October, are part of 'innovative solutions' to manage migration flows and deter departures from Africa.
The Italian Supreme Court recently ruled that the government can designate safe countries for repatriation, though lower courts can evaluate individual cases.
The European Court of Justice is expected to weigh in on the legality of the plan, with a decision anticipated in the coming months.
Italy has allocated €650 million over five years for the centers, which aim to process asylum claims quickly but have yet to become operational due to legal challenges.